May 30, 2017

Dental crowns are a common restorative treatment offered by your dentist in Cocoa Beach, Dr. Gary C. Nawrocki. But do you really know much about them? If you have a severely damaged or decayed but salvageable tooth, you will probably need a crown. Keep reading to find out more about what that means.

Why Dental Crowns Are Necessary

A dental crown is a thin covering that is securely affixed over a damaged or decayed tooth. Dental crowns are manufactured according to the specific dimensions of your tooth. They have a wide range of uses in dentistry.

Some of the most common reasons you may need a dental crown include:

Holding together a broken tooth

Restoring decay when there is not enough healthy enamel for a filling

Repairing a malfunctioning filling

Lengthening short or stubby teeth

Making cosmetic improvements to significantly damaged front teeth

Finishing a root canal procedure

Replacing a single missing tooth with a dental implant

What’s the Difference Between a Cap and a Crown?

Nothing! Because a dental crown fits securely over a damaged or decayed tooth, it is often referred to as a cap. But whatever you call it, a dental crown is a wonderful restorative method for damaged teeth. And now, the treatment is completed faster than ever with CEREC technology!

How CEREC Improves the Process for Dental Crowns

Traditionally, dental crowns have required two separate visits to the dentist with a couple of weeks spent waiting with a temporary restoration in between. But with CEREC (chairside economic restoration of esthetic ceramics), one-visit dentistry is possible. Your dentist uses CEREC in Cocoa Beach to plan for, manufacture, and place a beautiful ceramic dental crown all in just one appointment. The benefits of this method are many — namely speed, efficiency, and wonderful results. Crowns manufactured with the CEREC method can be expected to last just as long as those prepared the traditional way.

Because CEREC is integrated with a digital scanning system, we can also create a 3D model of your mouth without the need for those uncomfortable bite-down impressions. Dr. Nawrocki or a trained hygienist will scan your mouth and transfer the information to the CEREC software, where Dr. Nawrocki will sketch a blueprint for your crown. The plan is sent to our in-house milling machine, where your new crown is manufactured from a single block of porcelain in a matter of minutes. Once it is ready, Dr. Nawrocki will check its fit and make any necessary final adjustments before securely affixing it to the tooth!

Think You Need a Crown? Talk to Us Today!

If you have a damaged or decayed tooth, don’t put off the restorative treatment that your smile needs. That tooth won’t get better on its own! Instead, contact the caring team at Dr. Nawrocki’s office. Your dentist provides CEREC one-visit dentistry to restore your smile health more efficiently than ever. Request an appointment today.